CHS hockey legend signs with women’s pro team

After an outstanding four-year ice hockey career at Quinnipiac University, Canton native Brittany Lyons is headed overseas to play professionally for the Neuberg Highlanders — the two-time defending champions of Austria’s Women’s Hockey League (DEBL).

Brittany Lyons (Nicole Connery photo)

The former three-sport star athlete at Canton High School had drawn interest from five professional teams and had an opportunity to turn pro at the end of her junior season; however, she chose to play out her career at Quinnipiac, where she finished third all time with 39 career goals and set the record for most goals by a senior with 16.

“I am so excited to begin this next chapter in my life,” said Lyons, who graduated in May with a degree in media studies. “I had an amazing four years at Quinnipiac, and now I’m ready to see where else my hockey skills can take me.”

Despite her undeniable talent, Lyons said she “never imagined” playing for a professional team because there are “far fewer opportunities for women to play than there are for men.”

“But when I got the emails [from interested clubs], I was more than excited,” she said.

In addition to signing with the Highlanders, Lyons was also selected to play for the USA Women’s Street Hockey team, which captured the bronze medal at the World Ball Hockey Championships held last month in Toronto.

Lyons was a force in the tournament, finishing tied for first in total goals while earning game MVP honors three times in seven games. She also scored the game-tying goal against Great Britain in the bronze medal game and later sealed the deal with the game winner in double overtime to give Team USA a 4-3 victory.

“Team USA was amazing,” said Lyons, who was recognized as one of three tournament all stars. “I had so much fun playing all the other countries and seeing their style of play. It was like a whole new world to me. It was an amazing experience. I met some really great people and have a lot of new friends.”

“Playing on Team USA has always been a dream of mine,” she added. “I am so grateful for my family and friends that have stuck by me and rooted for me the whole way.”

She wanted to extend a “big thank you” to Brian Wanless and Brilliance Auto Body, Mike Mahan and the Tuesday night crew, and Mark Lyons for their continued support.

A 2008 graduate of Canton High, Lyons still holds every major scoring record in both ice hockey and lacrosse, including single-game, single-season, and career records for goals and total points. She also won five state championships and one national championship with the Assabet Valley Girls Ice Hockey program and completed a post-graduate year at The Winchendon School.

A lifelong Canton resident, she is the daughter of Wendy and Gene Lyons. She has two older brothers, Gene and Brandon, and a younger sister, Brianna.